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All applicable rights reserved by the source institution and holding location.

Held in Honor of Trayvon Martin
Still haven't decided on a costume for Halloween this year?
Two Miami residents are encouraging people to wear hooded sweat-
shirts in their "Halloween Hoodie Campaign" to protest stereotyping
after the controversial shooting death of fellow Floridian, Trayvon
Martin earlier this year.
The 17-year-old was wearing a hoodie when he was shot and killed
by George Zinmmerman, a neighborhood watchmnui who confronted
Martin as he walked home from a 7-Eleven in the Orlando suburb of
Sanford.
After the death of Trayvon Martin, many supporters of the Martin
faunily wore hoodies and posted photos to show their support, including
the entire Miami Heat team.
However, the creators of the "Halloween Hoodie Campaign," Gauis
Benbow and Rochelle Oliver, say their campaign's purpose is to help
put an end to negative stereotyping.
Oliver told the Orlando Sentinel that the idea "isn't about being pro-
Trayvon. It's about being anti-stereotyping."

Maryland County Launches Belt
Collection for Sagging Pants
Prince George's County community leaders have decided to do some-
thing about the low waistbands of young men. This month, they have
started collecting belts to put a stop to sagging pants.
As part of the first Pull 'Em Up campaign, the Take Charge
Foundation program is leading a belt drive at 13 locations across the
county where people can donate new or gently used belts that will be
used to make students' pants sit at their waists.
Take Charge Executive Director Jerrod Mustaf said the goal of the
belt drive is to "modify the culture of young people who believe it's
cool to wear the pants that are sagging."
Take Charge is a nonprofit organization based in Prince George's
County that focuses on helping families and their children avoid bad
choices and behavior that can lead to jail.
The look got its start behind prison walls, where baggy jumpsuits
hung off inmates' bodies without the aid of a belt. According to reports,
the fashion also was used as a prisoner signal for sexual advances.
After the belts are collected from the drop-off locations, they will be
distributed to schools in the area.

Alabama to Vote on Amending
Constitution's Segregation Language
In 2004, Alabama residents voted to keep segregation language in
their state Constitution. Over 690,000 people supported leaving the
phrase "separate schools shall be provided for white and colored chil-
dren and no child of either race shall be permitted to attend a school of
the other race." It was a close vote, but ultimately, the phrasing remains.
This November, residents will vote again to see if their state's
Constitution can finally be rid of what has been described as
"Alabama's most shameful law."
Critics of the new proposed amendment are concerned that a previous
amendment (known as Amendment 111) to the law will also be
removed. Amendment 111 states: "Nothing in this Constitution shall be
construed as creating or recognizing any right to education or training
at public expense."
Many believe the amendment was written to suppress integration. But
there are those who disagree and want the amendment to stay.

Denver Obama Campaign
Headquarters Shot Up
DENVER Denver police are reviewing video footage from city sur-
veillance cameras after shots were fired through the window of
President Barack Obama's campaign office.
People were inside the office when the shooting happened Friday
afternoon, but no one was injured. A large panel of glass was left shat-
tered at the office.
The Secret Service referred questions about the shooting to Denver
police, and an Obama campaign spokeswoman declined to comment.

Morgan Stanley Facing
Discrimination Suit

NEW YORK Morgan Stanley is being accused of discriminating
against black homeowners and violating federal civil rights laws by
providing strong incentives to a subprime lender to originate mortgages
that were likely to go unrepaid.
The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, was filed this week by
the American Civil Liberties Union and others on behalf of five Detroit
residents and Michigan Legal Services. It was filed in U.S. District
Court in New York.
The five homeowners in the lawsuit received their loans from sub-
prime lender New Century Mortgage Corp., which has since collapsed.
The lawsuit claims Morgan Stanley pushed New Century to issue cer-
tain types of loans with no concern about risk, because it made its prof-
it at the outset when the investment bank bundled the loans into securi-
ties and sold them.
Shares of Morgan Stanley added 20 cents to $17.51 in morning trad-
ing on Monday.

Justices
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Gov. Scott and

Florida GOP

Threaten Florida

Supreme Court

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V E E K L Y

50 Cents

Volume 25 No. 52 Jacksonville, Florida October 18-24, 2012

Florida Schools to Set Learning Goals By Race

There's a new plan underway by
the state education system that \will
lower the playing field when it
comes to Florida's Black students.
The Florida State Board of
Education recently passed a set of
controversial reading and niaith
standards for students based entire-
ly upon race.
Under the ne\\ guidelines, the
schools are aiming to achieve read-
ing proficiency levels otf 0 percent
for Asian students, 88 percent for
white students, 81 percent tfor
Latino students and 74 percent for
Black students by 201S8.
Although placed at lie bottom of

the achievement rung, African-
Americans and Latinos aren't the
only groups upset about tile new
goals. :lorlda's Asian communities
are also concerned about what
effect the tiered program will have
on their students.
According to the Florida
Department of Education, the goals
are meant to be "realistic." State
Board of Education chairwoman
Kathleen Shanahan told the Post
that the race-specific goals were
necessary for the schools to comply
with terms of a waiverr that Florida
and 32 other states have from the
federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Jacksonville's very own HBCU.
Edward Waters College, celebrated
their homecoming last week to
commemorate it's rich legacy and
contributions to our community.
Alumni and supporters from around
the country joined students and
administrators for a bevy of festivi-
ties for all ages.
Activities throughout the week

And Florida's board of education
isn't the only one to pass such meas-
ures. Washington, D.C., and
Virginia's school boards ignited A
similar furor when they adopted 4
race-based benchmarks for
learning in their school sys-
tems.
"One-hundred percent of our
students should be reading [at
or above grade level]," Florida
commissioner of education Pam
Stewart said, according to CBS v
News, defending the goals. "The
strategy targets a more rapid rate of
improvement in the percentages of
students who are already behind."

Seniors Show New Meaning of Golden Years
Exercise pals (L-R) Gloria Johnson and Darlene Ledsinger have
taken their "golden years" to heart. The pals both recently won gold
medals in bowling during the Jacksonville Senior Games and are now
headed to state championships December 1-9th. The exercise pals both
regularly workout together at Deen Wellness Center showing fitness
can be achieved at any age.

Jax Links Add Voter Empowerment to Advocacy Platform

MYVUl I MY VOICMy VOTE
sy VOIC MY VOTE

M CE IsCE
Shown at the event are Terri Stepteil Joyce Valcour, Anest McCarthy, Pat Bivins, Ava
Manning and Monique McCarthy.
Members of the Jacksonville American Civil Liberties Union campaign at t
Chapter of the Links, Incorporated (ACLU) for a voter empowerment Ilectlon, Offic
participated with the local forum during their "Let Me Vote" Mall. The Tov

Parker, Marjoria

he Supervisor of
e at the Gateway
vn Hall event was

designed to inform the commimity
through vigorous dialogue and dis-
cussion about overcoming newly-
created barriers to the ballot box.
Jacksonville is part of the nation-
wide ACLU campaign seeking to
empower America's most vulnera-
ble voters by getting accessible.
accurate information to them to pre-
vent voting restrictions from getting
in their way.
Several local community leaders
participated as panelists at the "Let
Me Vote" event including Asst.
Public Defender Melina Buncome,
Supervisor of Elections Jerry
Holland, State Representative Mia
Jones, League of Women Voters
Jacksonville Chapter President
Angela DeMonbreun, Legal Aid
Attorney Jennifer Jerome, and
House District 12 Candidate Karen
Morianti. The Forum was the culmi-
nating event in the local ACLU
chapter's commitment to increase
voter participation and empower-
ment.

A I

Voter

Registration
Could be the
Key to Success
in Upcoming

Election
Page 4

Ir

P~a~' ~ Ni~ Pf~tTV'~ Free Press October 18-24, 2012

Scott and Florida GOP Threaten Florida Supreme Court Justices
by (iayle Anldrews vealed tlal utility company lawyers, tee did noit impeach the former bible and a power grab, the Republican
lallahassee The Florida and other political )owVrbrtokers salesman so lie returned to the Party of Florida is asking voters t
Suprenic 'Court scandal of 1975 was were getting favorable opinions and bench. But the afflable Joe Boyd reject three Supreme Court Justices;
a stunning example of lithe power of writing opinions for theses justices. would never shed the taint of the A. Fred Lewis, Barbara Pariente and
politics and its corrupting, influence C But the worst offender \was the bril- scalual. the court's first Black female Jus-
Oi our most revered and independ lianit David McCain,whose future McC( ainl and Dekleresigned in dis- twice, Peggy A. Quince. If thejustices

unt branch of goverilnmenlt.
lTo serve on the ligli conit vw/as andid
remains a career triumpli lor the ju-
rists who preside from a bench that
towers above the lawyers pleading a
case.The justices represent the best
legal minds FI lorida has to offer and
they make decisions on cases affect-
ing the lives of FIloridians.
In the mid 1970's three justices,
with impeccable credentials, were so
influenced by politics, they not only
ruined their careers but touched off
a scandal that would change the
process of appointing and electing
Florida judges forever. Justices-
David McCain, Hal Dekle and Joe
Boydwere the focus of unprece-
dented IHouse imlpeachlment pro-
ceedings following a inumiiber of
scathingnewspaper imports iand in-
vestig',itions. Tlie iestiIgationis re-

was promising. McC(ain was ac-
cused of "icing" opinions to favor
friends regardless of the merits of
the case. The other evidence
showed that McCain was pressuring
lower court judges and rigging opin-
ions to favor his political supporters.
Like a bad horror movie, the im-
peachment proceeding played out on
television, radio and in major news-
papers. Justice Hal Dekle was ac-
cused of receiving and using a secret
draft opinion written by a utility
lawyer. Meanwhile Justice Joe
Boyd, also accused of using the
same opinion, denied it saying lie
flushed it down the toilet instead.
The Impeachment Committee or-
dered Boyd to submit to a psychi-
atric eva\Iluation. ll oyd returned to
the hearing linumiiphailt, waiving his
Certificate of Sanity. The coiiiinit-

grace.
The reforms that followed would
close the serious breach of confi-
dence inthe Florida judiciary.Gover-
nor Reubin Askew successfully
implemented reforms by appointing
a Judicial Nominations Commission
to recommend judges for the bench.
The reforms were put in the Consti-
tution. Very strict campaign guide-
lines prohibit judicial candidates
from making promises of any kind.
Voters will mark "yes" or "no" on
their ballots this November based on
the judge's record. The laws were
put iiin place to keep political influ-
ence out of tIhe judiciary, allowing
judges to remain true to their oath of
impartiality. Judicial experts say it
lias worked well for nearly 40 years.
In what is being described as an
unplecedented political meddling,

are removed, Governor Rick Scott,
a vocal critic of the court, would ap-
point their replacements. During the
last 18 months,Scott and the Repub-
lican legislature pushed numerous
pieces of legislation to undo Merit
Retention and restructure the Florida
Supreme Court. Those efforts failed.
Scott and the Republicans have also
lost the vast majority of the cases ar-
guedbefore the court.
Legal scholars, former justices
and a host of non-partisan experts
warn that this kind of interference
would be disastrous. They say the
Florida Supreme Court is no place
for partisan politics.
The state high court panel of
seven justices has the final say on
many critical legal disputes affecting
Florldians.

Black Youth Vote! Hustles Hard to Keep the

Raines High School Homecoming King Ahnion
Lott with Queen Tierra Johnson 111 Hl t/i/,ipor
Raines Celebrates Homecoming -The
William M. Raines Vikings celebrated homecoming 201 2 on Fri-
day 12, 2012. The theme was "1'ikiigs For thw ('t -" celebrating
the awareness of cancer. The final score in the festive game was
Raines 35 Forrest 0.
Supreme Court Approves Ohio Early Voting
On Final Weekend Before Election Day
WASHINGTON The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a last-gasp appeal
by Ohio Republicans and approved early voting for Ohio residents on the
weekend before Election Day.
Ohio's Secretary of State John Husted had refused to enforce last week's s
appellate court decision, in which a three-judge panel came do\\ n on the side
of the Obama campaign and blocked a law that would haC e limited eirl\ \ ot-
ing,
Husted remained adamant that Ohioans should not be allow ed to \lt o i
that weekend, which was a prime voting period for minorities in the 200OS
election.
The Supreme Court's order was one line long: "The apphcation or sta\ pre-
sented to Justice [Elena] Kagan and by her referred to the Court is denied "
In response to the Republican-backed law to limit early voting the CObaili
campaign and the Democratic Party had sued the state, asking a federal court
to restore voting during those last three days on the grounds that Ohioans
would not have equal access to the polls otherwise.

Jamaal Rose, Florida Black Youth Vote! coordinator with FAMU stu-
dents Kim Wilson (middle) and Sharon Davis encouraging students to
vote early or on Nov. 6.
looking to block African-Americans workers. Poll monitors will work
Itom \ otng. the organization is outside the polls on Election Day re-
Sor king \ ith Common Cause and porting problems via text. mobile
others to recruit s volunteers. called apps. and by calling the 1 866-
Foot Soldiers for Democracy. to train OUR VOTE hotline to report prob-
to \work as poll monitors and poll lems to lawyers.

BARACK OBAMA IS NOT JUST A

PRESIDENT FOR SOME OF US.

HE'S FIGHTING FOR ALL OF US.

I promised to be a President who would build a better

future; who would move this nation forward; who would

ensure that this generation-your generation-had the

same chances and the same opportunities that our

parents gave us. That's what I'm here to do. That's why

I ran for President of the United States of America.

I II

*- I]*m *1'm I
EALVTN DTS:

THERE'S MORE TO DO, BUT

WE'RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK.

PAID FOR RY OBAMA FOR AMERICA

5NA

October 18-24, 2012

PaIX, 7 I_ Pernrv'\ Free Press

I

n

1

Town Hall Format is Backdrop of Spirited Presidential Debate

HINMPI>1 LAD, New York (AP)
President Barack Obama went
on the attack against Republican
challenger Mitt Romney in a criti-
cal debate Tuesday, looking to
rebound from an earlier matchup
when he was seen as listless and
distracted.
The stakes of the town hall-style
debate could not have been higher.
With just three weeks to go before
Election Day, the race is locked in a
dead heat and many Americans are
already casting ballots in states with
early voting.
Obama strode onto the stage
seeking a stronger showing than in
the initial debate on Oct. 3, when he
had sent shudders through his sup-
porters and helped fuel a rise in
opinion polls by Romney, a former
Massachusetts governor.
The open-stage format, with no
physical objects between them,
placed incumbent and challenger
face to face and, when they chose,
directly in each other's faces. Their
physical encounters crackled with
energy and tension, and the crowd
watched raptly as the two sparred
while struggling to appear calm and
affable before a national television
audience.
From the opening moments,
Obanma was aggressive. He criti-
cized Romney's opposition to the
Democrats' bailout of the auto
industry and rejected Romney's
economic proposals as squeezing
the middle class.
"Gov. Romney says he's got a
five-point plan. Gov. Romney does-
n't have a five-point plan. He has a
one-point plan. And that plan is to
make sure that folks at the top play
by a different set of rules,"Obanma
said.
He also said Romney had shifted
positions on energy, criticizing coal
production years ago and support-
ing it now. At least twice, Obama
accused Romney of being untruth-
ful.
Romney responded in kind. He
said the Obama administration's
spending was swelling the deficit
and would lead to big tax hikes. He
criticized Obama's handling of the
economy and blamed the president
for high gasoline prices.
"The middle class has been
crushed over the last four years,"
Romney said.
The two men interrupted one
another early and often, speaking
over each other to the point that nei-
ther could be understood.
"You'll get your chance in a
moment. I'm still speaking,"
Romney said as he tried to cut off
Obama at one point.
There would be little time for
either candidate to recover from a
weak showing Tuesday. Only one
more debate, next Monday, remains
after the faceoff and that one deals
with foreign policy, a secondary
issue in a race dominated by the
economy.
The debate was before an audi-
ence of 80 uncommitted voters pos-
ing questions to the candidates.
Obama needed to strike the right
balance in coming on strong against
Romney without turning off the
audience and tens of millions of
television viewers by going too
negative.Obama has said his first

Florida's Voter

Purge to Extend
Beyond Election
MIAMI -- The legal fight over
Florida's plan to purge almost 200
voters from the rolls because they
aren't citizens will have to wait
until after the election.
Two Florida federal judges had
ruled that the planned purge of 198
people could go forward despite
claims it violates a federal law
against removing voters within 90
days of an election. The judges
decided the 90-day rule doesn't
apply to non-citizens.
A challenge to their ruling was
made to llth U.S. Circuit Court of
Appeals. That court decided

Tuesday it would not review the
challenge before the Nov. 6 elec-
tion.
Most supervisors of elections
have said the removal process
would run past Election Day any-
way.
The state originally sought to
purge some 2,600 names but
encountered inaccuracies.

debate performance was "too
polite."
The economy, the biggest issue in
the election, was uii-ii' p iiniilgly the
first topic in the debate. There are
sharp differences between the two
candidates. Obama says his policies
prevented a catastrophic economic
meltdown, saved the U.S. auto
industry and has put the economy
on the road to recovery. Romney, a
wealthy businessman, argues that
Obama has failed to turn around the
economy and it is time for new

I .

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leadership.
International issues were also part
of the debate, the first time the can-
didates have squared off on the sub-
ject. Obama has long held an
advantage in polls as the better can-
didate for handling foreign affairs.
His campaign points to his with-
drawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and
the killing of terrorist leader Osama
bin Laden. But Romney's campaign
has put Obama on the defensive
over his handling of security at the
U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya,

2:00 p.m.

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where four Americans, including
the U.S. ambassador, were killed
last month.
Asked by an audience member
about the attacks, Obama said he
was ultimately responsible for the
security of diplomats and was com-
mitted to investigating what went
wrong. Romney criticizedObama
for attending political events in the
aftermath of the attacks. He said the
attacks call into question all of
Obama's Middle East policies.
The Republicans' attention to for-

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eign affairs marks something of a
shift. They had long sought to make
this election a referendum on
Obama's handling of the economy.
But that may now be a tougher sell.
Unemployment, which had been
over 8 percent, for much of
Obama's term, fell to 7.8 percent
last month. The housing market is
improving and consumer confi-
dence is rising.
Obama is fighting to hang on to
small leads in many of the nine key
swing states that likely will decide

the election. The so-called battle-
ground states those that do not
reliably vote either Republican or
Democratic take on outsized
importance in the U.S. system, in
which presidents are chosen not by
the nationwide popular vote but in
state-by-state contests.
The debate audience of uncom-
mitted voters was selected by the
Gallup Organization. Moderator
Candy Crowley of CNN chose
speakers after reviewing proposed
questions to avoid repeats.

4 .;
il1, '"
!, '

'4,

6

* Get all your questions
answered in person.
* Choose the Medicare plan
that's right for you.
* Learn about new benefits
and services.
* No reservation required.

.10/10 9:00 a.m

10/10 9:00 a.m.

10/17

10/24

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11/14

11/28

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12/5

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, ;,. ,: .. .. .. '
P, ,A

*You must continue to pay the Medicare Part B premium. If it is determined that you owe a late enrollment penalty, you will still have to continue to pay this amount.The Zero Monthly Plan Premium only applies to the
HMO and RPPO plans. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply.The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more 'n[iiiit.ilii,0. contact the plan. Benefits,
formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-855-601-9465 or 1-800-
955-8771. A licensed agent will be present with information and applications. Florida Blue is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. A V\.edi, .~ppi:,.l Part D sponsor. Florida Blue is a trade
name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. YO011_74638 0912 CU. 1 Accepted

Florida and Ohio will mostly
likely decide the presidential elec-
tion it's no surprise to anyone. As
Bill Clinton said at the Democratic
Convention, "It's math, sim-
plearithmetic."
So both candidates have poured
countless dollars and resources into
both states in order to win. Money
will certainly not be a factor in this
election, but how money is best
used will be.
Democrats have always been
much better than Republicans at
grassroots campaigning and voter
registration: and voter registration
could very well decide the election.
How?
As of August, the state had about
4.6 million registered Democrats to
4.1 million registered Republicans.
Another 2.4 million are registered
with no party affiliation and about
328,000 are in minor parties.
And that 500,000 voter differ-
ence can be very significant espe-
cially when you consider that the
Democrats have widened that gap
over the past few months with very
aggressive voter registration drives.
Many of the voter registration

by L.Z. Granderson, CNN
If I had a nickel each time a white
guy e-mails or tweets that I have
my job because I'm black, I would-
, t 'need the Jobt. because I'd be rich.
This is at the heart of a little
talked about secret regarding affir-
mative action: A lot of black pro-
fessionals don't like it either. Not
because they think the playing field
is necessarily leveled, but rather
their skills and talents are constant-
ly being slighted by whites who
think their jobs were given to them
solely because of their race.
It's insulting, it's demeaning and
there's not a damn thing we can do
about it, because as long as race is
part of the qualification metric, the
perception that the bar was lowered
so that we could jump over it will
persist.
There are voters who think
President Obama's success came
easy because of affirmative action,
overlooking the fact he's brilliant
and oh, by the way, he and the first
lady were still paying off their stu-
dent loans 10 years ago. I can tell
you from experience, there is noth-
ing "easy" about paying back stu-
dent loans.
Yes, there is an inherent
hypocrisy of having such a policy
in a post civil-rights world. But it is
cynical to think we're a post-racial
society just because we have a
black president.
That's not to characterize all that
befalls blacks and other minorities
as "the man" holding us down, but
rather recognizing a freight train
doesn't stop the instant the brakes

efforts were targeted at young
Americans.
In 2008, Barack Obama changed
the game of presidential politics by
appealing to young voters through
emails, social media, and on the
college campuses.
He won the young vote hands
down.
For Democrats, especially the
President, the formula has not
changed in this election. Young
voters, Hispanics, and
Independents will win the election
for President Obama.But and
there's always a "'but"- turning out
the vote and maintaining a potential
voter'sattention throughout a long
grueling election cycle can be chal-
lenging.
Democrats stepped up voter reg-
istration efforts considerably over
the past eight months,out register-
ing Republicans in each of those
months. If' you look at September
alone,Democrats registered more
than 18,000 more voters last month
than Republicans.
1 mentioned how critical the
Hispanic vote will be in Novenmber;
Democrats now have about a 30-

percentage point advantage in
Hispanics.
Some may remember that Florida
is a very unique state; because at
one point, Latino registration was
most likely to be Republican. That
fact was different from almost any
other state in the county.
Another unique fact is that
Hispanic Democrats not only out-
number Hispanic Republicans, but
there are also more HI ispanic inde-
pendents than I I ispanic
Republicans.
With )Democrats having a sizable
registration advantage, tihe key for
both parties will be the "'(ei (ut
the Vote" or (i TIV efl'it. The big
diftlrence for both candidates \will
be energizing their base and tap-
ping into those "'somletllnes others "
and new younIg voters.
All of us ha\ e cousins, licinds.
neighbors or whoimev\er ltht List
don't v\iew \ oting ias bCing 1,an
important laIctor i lli their I\ es.
Most yvotug people think foi today \
and not tomorrow. In othel \\ oids,
they don't see the InIportilance o
\oting and h\\ow the people elected
to office influence their everyday

lives.
This is a major problem especial-
ly in the African American commu-
nity. How do we energize young
people to get out and vote, and vote
on a consistent basis'?
"Any change, any loss, does not
make us victims. Others can shake
you, surprise you, disappoint you,
but they can't prevent you from act-
ing, from taking the situation you're
presented wit and moving on,"
Vwrote author BlMaine Lee.
I I added, "No matter where you
are in life, no miat) i er what your sit-
natioin, you clli always do somie-
thing."
I'leclions ae lnot won by debates,
TV \ coiniercials, or direct mail
alone people who view voting as
a \ital component of their lives wini
them.
In an election as tight as the
upcoming No\emtber 2012 piesi-
dclllelt l I'ICCe ecrv \O e COllluntS.
'Had politicians are sent to
\\Wasington hb good people w\ho
don't \ ote," said a \\wise ian.
Siiging of ftroiti the Supervisor
of Elections Office,
Reggie 1Fullvood

Whats Wrong With Affirmative

Action and Why We Need It

are applied. Racial inequality had
been moving full steam ahead for
centuries in this country, starting
with tile attempted genocide of
Native Americans. So while our
present-day attitudes about race arce
changed, the byproducts stemming
from our past attitudes -- like
access to a quality education and
the impact of generational po\ ert -
- are still very much at play.
Talking about this and other top-
-ic's related to race doesn't nm:ke one
a racist. But denying its relevance
in everyday life has the potential to
hurt everyone. For example, the
Florida State Board of Educationi
has recently come under fire
because the academic achievement
goals it set for minority students
appear to be lower than the ones set
for white students. By the 2017- I S
school year, the board w\\ants to
have 88"o of white students at or
above the grade level benchmark
for reading but only 8 1o of Latinos
and 74% of blacks.
The reason: the disparity in the
current reading level. While 690o
of whites reach that mark now, only
53% of Latinos and just 380o of
blacks do. That's a problem, not
only in terms of students' ability to
get into college, but just having a
workforce in the state that is liter-
ate. So though the percentages of
the 2017-18 goals seem biased in
favor of whites, the percentage
increase seeks to aggressively
address a major reading problem
plaguing minorities.
This isn't racist. This is recogniz-
ing that if this racial disparity goes
unchecked, it could have debilitat-
ing long-term effects on Florida's
economy.
Some think the word diversity is
a euphemism for "anything but
white," but I don't. I believe in the
diversity of thought, which some-
times can play out racially, but not1

alwx\ vs I lasting people It'o dillfe i-
cit geogiaphlic loca.litins c.iii iIIntlo
duce ditlceni t iiimght .ud talent to,
a college ciillmpui l 01 \W ikloice, aind
\ iti3tlioiis of socioccotnoi" s.tuAIs',
btrimn in di\ csii\ t s \\ cll
Biut don't be istaken. l.tcc 1is
important.
()Oe of the elements of the iitnt-
mous "4o" '' video thal t didn't getC
talked about a lot \\as Miltt
RoiiieC\'s JokC e that ii hlie had
Mexicatin hciltiea he'd haLi\ ".i bet-
teC shot" A.t xW 1 in Il the cIle 't1 on
That joke \\Asi follow d b\ colin-
mIncil tiomI someone ill the icowd\
who sueCestCd RLot111ne could
laim to hAlic omlie \itt i\
A\meictan heritage like I li/abeth
Warren to get a leg up In \\ hlii
socliocononic imletic is tthice A
quailntfallble ad\altw.e to being-
Mexican or Nattl\ Am.ercai in tils
county\'.
Tlhe oultcri about the puslih or
diversity in the workplace e and in
college admissions w\\ould lead \ ou
to believe we're overcomiipensaiing
for the sins of the past. But look
around: Does it really look as if the
populations with the highest po\ er-
ty rate -- blacks. Latinos and Nati ec
Americans -- are just cleaning up in
the game of life.'
True. there are certainly exam-
ples of' unqualified or incompetent
employees being placed in posi-
tions they shouldn't bhe because of
flIawed decision making from white
superiors trying to be compliant
witl their IIR department.
SlHowever, that's not what alfirma-
live action was designed to do.
Take my profession, for example.
According to an American
Society of News IEditors study,
minorities make up 12.3"o of news-
paper staffs and 16.4"%, of online-
only news staffs despite being a
third of lhe general population.
Similarly the National Association

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positions of the staff ,ad nia inn g3e-
mieni l of thie .ticksoiiville' Free Press.
Readers, are encouraged to write
letters to the editor comnmienting on
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wouldlike to see included in (lie
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address letters to thlie Editoi, c/o
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Florida Republicans

Tied to Voter Fraud

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
NNPA Columnist
What is happening to the Republican National Committee (RNC) in the
state of Florida and in other important swing states concerning the issues
of voter fraud and voter suppression is like a glaring, unexpected climax of
a Shakespearean drama. For the past four years, the RNC has labored tire-
lessly and in some instances mysteriously to raise the issue of voter fraud
in the national political debate. In addition, it has been leading the charge
in many state legislatures to enact unprecedented voter suppression laws
allegedly as a necessary remedy to protect the public from the cruelty of
voter manipulation and mischief. But now the RNC itself stands naked and
exposed for being the real culprit of substantial voter fraud combined with
systematic voter suppression.
Strategic Allied Consulting is the company founded and head by Nathan
Sproul, the former executive director and leader of the RNC in the state of
Arizoina. In 2012, Sproul was employed by the RNC and the Mitt Romney
campaign to do voter work in live swing states: North Carolina, Florida,
Virginia, Nevada and Colorado. The public record shows that Sproul was
paid more than $3 million this year by both the RNC and the Romney cam-
paign to do voter registration drives in those five states. In Florida, from
January through September 2012, Strategic Allied Consulting was paid
$1.3 million.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has launched an immedi-
ate criminal investigation of Sproul and the Strategic Allied Consulting
because of allegations of criminal acts of voter fraud across the state of
Florida. There are allegations of dead people being registered to vote as
well as numerous other voter registration infractions in attempt to increase
Republican voter rolls. As soon as the news hit about the criminal allega-
tions, the RNC's national office fired Sproul and his firm.
Sean Spicer, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, was
quick to emphasize, "We take the integrity of elections extremely serious-
ly. We have zero tolerance for even the mere allegation of impropriety."
Of course that sounded good coming from the RNC in its attempt to dis-
tance itself from the more than 220 allegations in 10 different counties
relating to Sproul in Florida. But the RNC's prior actions and continued
actions concerning this issue display a total contradictory set of facts and
serious problems.
The RNC has had a longstanding working relationship with Nathan
Sproul eien though there were prior allegations of voter tampering and
other irregularities dating back to 2004. There was no "zero tolerance" at
that inme. I here was no fairness, no justice and no equality. There is a his-
tor, of mischief and criminal conduct in this regard. Voter fraud, as the
Republican Party is gleefully reminding people on large billboards in Ohio
and in other states where minority voters are concentrated, is a criminal
offense. Voter suppression is also illegal and needs to be challenged and
forceful\ stopped.
Sproul and his companies, which have been directly linked to voter sup-
pression, trickery and fraud, have actually been paid more than S21.2 mil-
lion by the Republican Party over the past nine years. Where is the zero
tolerance then'.' The reality is there are ruthless conservative forces who
want to distort. displace. and disfigure the outcome of the 2012 elections
to satisfy their undemocratic fears., avarice, hatred and backward politics.
Our democriac needs to be protected from these acts of intimidation and
injusuce. Voting and the right to vote are sacred. We have fought too long
and too hard to sit back and allow these regressive and illegal acts of voter
manipulation and suppression to continue. Black Americans and all
Americans ha\ e to demand justice and the equal protection of voting rights
tor all people. The next two weeks of campaigning leading up to the elec-
tion on No\ ember (6 that w ill enhance or change the course of history.
I.et's make sure that \\e all contribute to going forward instead of going
back ard.

Shown above are Tanya Nunn, Brandon Nunn, Sydney Armstrong, Robin Bray, Daniel Bray, Carmen
Rojas, Alyssa Rojas and Javier Rojas participating in the Walk.
Jack and Jill Mothers and Youth Walk for Breast Cancer
Volunteerismn and philanthropy are early lessons taught by the mothers of .Jack and Jill for America. Thie
Jacksonville chapters' Health and Welfare Commnittee organized a team last weekend that participated in the
American Cancer Society's Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk. Beginning at Treaty Oak Park in down-
town Jacksonville and stretching along the river, tile organization raised over $1,500I.00 with 21 members partic-
ipating. The walk is one of many volunteer activities the chapter participates in throughout thle year

Martin Family Launches Website, PAC to

Fight Controversial Stand Your Ground Law

On lihe eve ol'another meeting of
thlie state task oIrce reviewing
"stand your ground," the parents of
Trayvon Martin unveiled a new
website and political committee
aimed at changing the controver-
sial law.
A new committee of continuous
existence, or CCE, called "Change
for Trayvon" and a corresponding
website will collect funds to "be
distributed to candidates, elected
officials and efforts which support
the mission of... revising Stand
Your Ground laws across the
nation to ensure there is judicial or
prosecutorial oversight."
The new website also includes a
video with Trayvon's parents,
Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton,
and P'ayvlal links lor donations.
"Something has to change,
which is why we created tilhe
change for Trayvoin Martin move-
mlent, to shine the light on stand
yvour ground laws across tilhe
nation," Fulton says in the video.
Tracy Martin adds that "these
la\\s allow individuals to shoot

first and ask questions later," echo-
ing critics who call the law "shoot
first," rather than the "stand your
ground."
According to the website,
ChangeForTrayvon.com, no
"member of the Martin Family or
their attorneys will benefit person-
ally from the funds raised," and 90
percent of what's donated "will go
directly to support the mission of
Change For Trayvon."
Benjamin Crump, an attorney
for Trayvon's family, told the
Orlando Sentinel the CCE was
formed "specifically to try to get
this law revised."
"Any time anybody shoots any-
body now, they claim 'stand your
ground,'" ('rump said. "I don't
think that's what any legislator
intended for any of these laws to
be used for when they passed this
law."
Trayvon's shooting drew inter-
national outcry after police initial-
ly, did not arrest his shooter,
George Zimmerman. Zimmerman
says he fired in self-defense, after

the teenager from Miami Gardens
attacked him Feb. 26 in Sanford.
Prosecutors and Trayvon's family
say that Zimmerman profiled, pur-
sued and shot the teen.
The "stand your ground" law
grants immunity if a defendant can
show the use of deadly force was
in response to a reasonable fear of
serious injury or death. The law is
controversial for several reasons,
including the immunity language
and the lack of a requirement to
retreat if possible before respond-
ing with force.
Critics contend it encourages
violence, and leaves police agen-
cies reluctant to make arrests in
cases where there is a self-defense
claim. Supporters say the law
empowers law-abiding citizens to
better protect themselves.
The CCE announcement comes
the day before the Task Force on
Citizen Safety and Protection,
which is reviewing the law in the
wake of the controversial shoot-
ing,met for the sixth time this
week in Jacksonville.

No African Leader Deemed Worthy of $5M Leadership Prize

No-one has been awarded the
world's most valuable prize, the $5
million Ibrahim Prize for
Achievement in African
Leadership, which was due to be
announced last Monday.
For the third time in six years, no
African leader has been deemed
worthy of the prize, awarded by
Sudanese billionaire Mo Ibrahim's
foundation.
"The Prize Committee reviewed a
number of eligible candidates but
none met the criteria needed to win
this Award. The Award is about
excellence in leadership." the Mo
Ibrahim Foundation Prize
Committee said in a press release.
The prize is a $5 million award
paid over 10 years and $200,000
annually for life after that.
It is awarded to democratically
elected leaders who have stepped

down in tile past three years after
serving their constitutionally man-
dated term, and have demonstrated
"excellence in office."
Ibrahim, chairman and founder of
the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said:
"Since we launched the Prize six
years ago, we have had three w in-
ners, and three years without."
Last year's winner was President
Pedro Verona Pires of Cape Verde
for his "vision in transforming Cape
Verde into a model of democracy,
stability and increased prosperity."
Other previous winners ha\c
been Joaquim Chissano of
Mozambique in 2007 and -:cestus
Mogae of Botswana in 2008.
Nelson Mandela was made the hon-
orary inaugural Laureate in 2000.
In 2009 and 2010 there was no
winner.
In a report on African governance

I-conomic Commission for Africa
and Board NlMember of the Mo
lbrahim Foundation said in a press
release: "Given the vast natural and
human resources of these four
regional powers, these governance
results are a colcernii.
"Each of these countries plays a
ke\ role in the cconoiiiic and politi-
cal laindscapc ot thIe continent. To
continue to oplinl.lll\ pl l this role
reIqlies aI sustlincd co nllllllllielt to
b,.aliccd ,iiid cqultaible gc o\er-
naInce "
Nl cnAt,. Kcn\ .I. legypt .ind South
Alicax we\ie C ill deemd to ha\e
detierIto.itcd in theiu satet\, rulc of
la\\, participation for citizens and
human lights
Claius of corruption in Nigeria
A.ld Ken\ a hl\ e been commonly in
recent \ciars., ith Transparencv
Ilelnatiolnal linking thle t o coln-

tries 143 and 154 respectively out
of 183 nations for corruption.
South Africa and Kenya mean-
while also registered a drop in sus-
tainable economic opportunity.
The report uses data from 2000 to
2011 and does not take into account
changes in Egypt, Libya and
Tunisia since the Arab Spring. The
report's authors used data from hun-
dreds of sources but said a lack of
data had hindered it.
Ibralhnm said in a press release:
"Good governance is about harness-
ingii a country's resources to achieve
the results any citizen living in the
21st century has a right to expect.
One of Africa's biggest leadership
and governance challenges going
tibrward is to master its own robust
statistical system. Political sover-
eignty begins with data autonomy."
The report said there was an over-

arching trend towards more inclu-
sive and representative leadership
since 2000, with improvements in
11 out of 14 of its subcategories.
Significant improvements in the
rule of law were registered in the
formerly war-torn nations of
Liberia and Sierra Leone, while
Angola. Guinea and Liberia made
major strides in human rights.
Earlier this month, the foundation
awarded Archbishop Desmond Tutu
a one-off Sl million special prize
for his lifelong commitment
towards "speaking truth to power," -
- a trait emphasized throughout
South African apartheid and more
recently in his call for Tony Blair
and George W. Bush to "made to
answer" at the International
Criminal Court for their role in the
Iraq war.

YOUR

BUSINESS IS

LOCATED

HERE. i

Perhaps they have special powers.

We don't. But we are curious to find out
what makes your business tick. To uncover
ways to maybe help you run it better. And
the only way we can satisfy our curiosity
is to be there with you. Preferably, right
around the corner.

So, let's say an opportunity arises and you
need a letter of credit. We can make the
decision locally. Fast. And we can base it
on a real understanding of what you're
doing. Not on a spreadsheet in New York.

Are you saved? Ministry oriented? Love to ride motorcycles? Love to
have tim? Well if all of the answers are yes then Rydas 4 Righteousness
Motorcycle Ministry is for you! For more information, contact Ruth at
904-674-4339.

Christian Youth Talent Extravaganza
Disciples of Christ Christian Fellowship, a Full Gospel Baptist Church,
Robert LeCount Jr. Pastor is sending the call to "come one come all" to
Friday Night Live, Friday, October 19th at 7 p.m. Come enjoy and witness
talented youth from all over the city celebrate Jesus. For more information
please contact Saprina Harris at (904) 651-7744 or Sister E. Hansell at
(907) 576-6248 or call the church office at (904) 765-5683. You can also
email the church at dccfmbc@yahoo.com. The church is located at 2061
W. Edgewood Ave, Jacksonville, Florida, 32208.

A Community Conversation

on Prayer at Public Events
Join moderator John A. Delaney, President, University of North Florida
to discuss: What does it mean to lead prayer at official public events? This
symposium will take place Tuesday, October 30th, 7 9 p.m. at the UNF
University Center, 1 UNF Drive. For more information email
onejax@unf.edu or call (904) 620-1000.

Grief Support and Loss Group
Haven Hospice is hosting a grief and loss support group meeting
Wednesday, November 7th at Westside Church of Christ located at 23 W
8th St. The group meets from 7-8 p.m. For more information contact the
office at (904) 279-1677.

El-Beth-El Honoring Successful Role

Models at Annual Banquet 10/24
The El-Beth-El Development Center will host its annual "Successful
Role Model" Banquet on Wednesday, October 24th at 6:30 p.m. at the
FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) Banquet Hall located at 5530 Beach
Boulevard.
Since 1980 El-Beth-El has honored dedicated individuals from the com-
munity for outstanding achievements and leadership. For ticket informa-
tion contact Dr. Lorenzo Hall at (904) 710 -1586 or (904) 374-3940 or
email gospell75@aol.com.

The Rev. William J. Simmons, P.H. D. who serves as the Pastor of St.
Andrew African Methodist Episcopal Church who has served as an
Itinerant Elder in the AME Church for 31 years will retire at the close of
this conference year, October 26, 2012.
He and his wife, Mrs. Kathryn K. Simmons have served churches in
Raleigh, Ocala, Williston, and Winter Garden, Florida, and for the past
eleven (11) years at St. Andrew, Jacksonville Beach.
Dr. Simmons' ministry has been dual, focusing on education and salvation,
as well as preaching and teaching. HE was formerly at the University of'
Florida as the Director of the Institute of Black Studies, and retired in 2009
as the Provost of St. Johns River Community C'ollege, Orange Park.
For further information you may contact St. Andrew AM E' Church at (904)
246-1756, or Banquet Coordinator, Peggy Rice Johnson, at (904) 744-9192.

2nd Missionary Hosts Pastor and

Church Anniversary Celebration
Second Missionary Baptist Church invites the public to come worship and
spread thanks for another year of spiritual service to the Jacksonville com-
munity. The church will be celebrating their 162nd anniversary and the
26th anniversary of Pastor Dr. Odell Smith Jr. with nightly services begin-
ning at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 7th, Thursday, November 8th, and
Friday, November 9th. On Sunday, November Ilth at 11:00 a.m. and 5:30
p.m. the church will commemorate the Pastor's appreciation with the spir-
itual theme: Living in God:' Purtpose.. Against a Sin/fiu rli rl.
For more information contact Sister Pearling Knight, Anniversary
Chairperson at 354-8268 or visit www.2ndmissionarybaptchurch.com.
Second Missionary Baptist Church is located at 954 Kings Rd.

Tabernacle Baptist Celebrating

Pastor's 10th Church Anniversary
Tabernacle Baptist Institutional Church is celebrating Pastor Michael C.
Edwards, Sr. 10th anniversary with a famunily and friends banquet and wor-
ship service. The activities begin Wednesday, October 24th at 7 p.m., with
mid-week service hosted by Bishop R. W. McKissick, Sr. and Sunday,
October, 28th at 10 a.m. with Bishop R. W\V. McKissick, Jr. Rounding out
the celebration with words of expression and reflections for Pastor Edwards
is the anniversary banquet, Sunday, October 28th, 3 5:30 p.m. at the
Ramona Pavilion, 7166 Ranmona Blvd. If you would like to purchase tick-
ets contact Sister Jacque Mobley at (904) )93-3837 or jmobil260( corn-
cast.net or tbicjaxq comcast.net or contact the church office at (904) 356-
3362.

Conference to Focus on Health
The Greater Macedonia Baptist Church of the Northside is sponsoring
their Annual Men's Conference, (MEN BE MEN) on October 27th and
28th. The Conference runs from 8:30am 12:00 noon. The workshops
start at 9:15.
The speakers for the Saturday workshop will include: Rev. G. V. Lewis, a
Jacksonville native who has devoted his ministry to the Godly
Development of Men; Jamaal Anderson, Project Manager, Facilities
Planning and Construction for the Duval County School Board; Dr. John
Montgomery, Vice President Medical Director of Commercial Accounts
for lumana of Florida and Tommy Chandler, well respected expert on
health services recently retired after 40 years of service with the
Department of Health. On Sunday, Pastor Kendall Anderson will preach
the 8 a.m. service, and Rev. G. Vincent Lewis will preach at 11 a.m.
African American Men are suffering in much greater disparities when
compared to other races of men. The focus of the workshop is to help men
be men by understanding the importance of living healthier, being
employment ready and understanding their spiritual and family responsi-
bilities. The Conference will be held at the Church, 1880 Edgewood
Avenue where Dr. Landon L. Williams is Pastor. Call the church for addi-
tional information at 764-9257. Registration is not required.

Thanksgiving Gratitude Service
The greater Jacksonville community is invited to join OneJax, Thursday,
November 15th. 6 to 7 p.m. for the Thanksgiving Gratitude Service, now
in its 94th year! Come together with friends, family and neighbors to offer
thanks and gratitude for all we cherish and appreciate as a community.
Join this meaningful interfaith experience at the Milne Auditorium and
Chapel at Edward Waters College, 1638 Kings Road. For more informa-
tion email onejax(@gunfedu or visit www.onejax.org or call the interfaith
hotline at (904) 620-lJAX (1529).

Church news is published free of charge. Information
must be received in the Free Press offices no later than
Monday, at 5 p.m. of the week you want it to run.
Information received prior to the event date will be
printed on a space available basis until the date. Fax e-
mail to 765-3803 or e-mail to JFreePress@aol.com.

By Carey Kinsolving
in Ok. Yu rt'r Ok" is the title
of a former best-selling book. But
the reality is "I Stink. )bu Stink".
(iod's love "affects me because
I feel loved, and that makes me
love other people." says Rachel,
nine. Rachel lias identified the
key to healthy relationships. When
we know God loves us in our heads
and sense his love in our hearts. we
don't try to put people in the place
of God. Don't make an idol out of
any human relationship.
Everyone needs love. Only God
gives us perfect. unconditional
love all the the time. Consider
yourself a channel for letting God's
love flow through you, and you
night be surprised at what flows
back.
"The love of God comes through
your spirit and makes you want to
treat other people as God would
want to treat other people." says
Courtney, 10. "The love that comes
from God is everlasting, every-
where and is faithful.'"

I don't stay mad as long. says
Stacy 10. "It used to take days.
Now it takes about an hour to cool
off Once I got mad at one of my
friends that I didn't talk to her for a
week, and she remembers it, too."
Stacy. your struggle with anger
reminds me of a story told by
Michael Hodgin of a golfer who
stormed off the course after throw-
ing his goltbag into a lake. A few
minutes later his friends thought he
had cooled off when thev saw wad-
ing into the lake. He fished out the
dripping bag. unzipped the side
pocket, took out his car keys and
flug the bag into the lake once
again.
Abiding in God's love is the
"key" to maintaining your cool
under pressure says Jared, 10 :
"knowing God's love helps you
because you know that God will
find a way to make things end up
good. He can turn an impossible
situation into a good one."
God's love can transform hlazi-
ness into helpfulness says Nichole.

10: "Sometimes I help my mom do
dishes or clean the house. I help
my dad by taking out trash. Now
that would be love."
That's love with feet on it.
Nicole. But the foot story belongs
to Ephrain, 10: "Sometimes when
you play soccer, someone knocks
you down. If you want to hit him
back. that's not the love of God. If
you want to get him or her back.
you lose your concentration, and
you build up anger. If you had the
love of God. you would be able to
concentrate and not build up
anger.
Anger in the form of revenge or
bitterness can trip you you in soc-
cer and in life. The Apostle Paul
advocated forgiving one another
even as Christ forgave you
(Colossian 3:13).
"The love of God is very strong
and he gives that love to you." says
Lindsay. nine. "In everything you
do and everything you say. God
will show you the right way to do -
Continued on page 7

by Charlene Crowell
Although many Americans are
living longer, a new public policy
analysis reveals that a dispropor-
tionate number of older people are
also living ill poverty particularly
if they are a person of color.
According to the AARP Public
Policy Institute, Social Security
keeps about 30 percent of African
Americans and Hispanics retirees
from poverty. Yet another 20 per-
cent of these two groups at ages 65
or older, live in poverty at a rate that
is double that of Whites.
The reasons for these disparities
are tied to multiple factors. Years of
working for lower wages do not
allow for aggressive savings or
investment portfolios. Additionally,
many people of color have held
jobs that did not provide for pen-
sions or retirement accounts. For
other workers whose employers
provided some kind of retirement
plan, often the benefits are smaller.
Among all people of color,

AARP found that higher-income
Asian-Americans were tile Imost
likely to receive diversified
incomes in retirement years that
included interest, dividends and
rental income from assets.
For Black and Latino retirees,
more than a quarter eventually rely
on Social Security for 90 percent of'
their family income, says AARP.
According to the report, "The medi-
an annual Social Security family
income of older minorities is rough-
ly 26 percent lower than that of
older whites."
The worst disparities in Social
Security benefits were found in
comparing women by race and mar-
ital status. Never-married African-
American women usually receive
benefits at much lower rates than
married women of color. By con-
trast, older White women regard-
less of marital status received bene-
fits at much similar rates to White
men.
Fortunately, the Social Security

Administration provides options to
increase the amiou0nt of" mointhlly
benefits by determining tlhe best
time to retire.
For example, most consumers
can receive Social Security benefits
as early as age 62. The trade-off is
that thle monthly payments will be
lower than those choosing to wait
lor full benefits.
Anyone planning to retire is
advised to contact Social Security
three months before the date
desired for benefits to begin. When
applying for benefits, documents
such as birth and/or marriage cer-
tificates and the most recent W-2
form must be submitted to deter-
mine eligibility.
According to AARP, "Social
Security is and will continue to be
the main source of income for low-
and moderate-wage retirees, but
improvellents ill other programs
would alleviate poverty and income
insecurity among older
Americans."

&I~ ~LU~

ItF

As one of the simplest exercises,
walking requires no equipment
aside from a good, supportive pair
of walking shoes.
But what's the best way to start
your program?
Check with your doctor before
starting any new exercise program
it you've been inactive for a while.
To start your walking program:
l.f1 you've been inactive, start
walking three times a week at a
stroll for 20 minutes. Work your
way up to tive or so times a week,
30 minutes per session, for a total
of 2.5 to 3 hours per week.
2.Choose distance or time. Some
walkers focus on distance. others
target time. Ultimately, it's about
speed. If you can walk five miles
but it takes vou ltie hours to do it,
it's not a fit level of \\ork. So use

manually
checking your pulse or purchase a
simple heart rate monitor. Keep in
mind, however, that the traditional
heart rate formula standards do not
fit everyone.
How to Stay Motivated
I lere are simple ways to keep
your walks interesting and help
you stay motivated:
1.Wear a pedometer. Bit by bit,
boost your daily steps. Wear a
pedometer for a week to see what
days you have the most number of
steps. Then try to repeat the activi-
ties of that day and add another 500
steps the following week. Keep it
up until you reach 10,000 steps a
day.
2. Keep a walking journal. It
serves as a motivator by allowing
you to see your progress.

3.Get a walking partner. A walk-
ing buddy provides accountability.
Neither wants to let the other per-
son down.
4.Sign up for a race or charity
walk. It gives you a goal to shoot
for, which may motivate you to
stick with a program.
5.Find support online. Programs
such as the American Heart
Association's have helped thou-
sands of people to get started walk-"
ing. There are many free online
programs that include a monthly
newsletter with health tips and
recipes, an online activity and
nutrition tracker, access to an
online journal, as well as the abili-
ty to connect with others for sup-
port and motivation.
The Benefits of Walking
Weight loss isn't the only benefit
of a walking program. Regular
walking helps lower cholesterol,
reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes,
increases bone strength, and
improves circulation.
Also, it's important to remember
that, especially in the beginning,
exercise doesn't have to be hard to
be effective. The recommended 30
minutes can be broken up into two,
15-minute sessions or even three,
10-minute sessions, making it easy
to weave into a busy lifestyle. Just
a few extra steps each day is a sim-
ple and easy way to take an active
role in maintaining a significantly
healthier life.

Matthew Gilbert's Male Students Receive Free Haircuts,
Knowledge and Wisdom Courtesy of Millions More
Last week the Jacksonville Local Organizing Committee of the Million More Movement provided free haircuts
to students of Mathew W. Gilbert Middle School. The students were receptive and grateful for the haircuts and
mentoring. JLOC also spoke with the students about some of the major current news issues of today. Mathew W.
Gilbert administrative staff, teachers and custodians greeted the movement and were proud to ha\ e them on cam-
pus. The Jacksonville Local Organizing Committee of Millions More Movement is continuing their effort to
"serve the people." For more information or to help JLOC, MMM by giving a financial donation or volunteering
your time as they work to end the violence through a good proper education and not more incarceration. Shown
above is Brother Marcus Cuyler cutting Mystical Henry's hair as Brother Raymond Stiles looks on. The MMINN
can be contacted via their website at www.realpagessite.com/jacksonvilleloc or call (904) 240-Q1)33.

Knowing God's Love thinkabnly
Continued from page 6 God's love
will show you the right way to do or flowing through you can transform
say it." Jordon, 10, shares exam- "I Stink, You Stink" relationships
ples of that right way. "When some- into "I'm Loved, You're Loved."
body is being picked on, or has no Memorize this truth: "This is my
friends, cheer them up. If somebody commandment, that you love one
gets hurt, try to help them and see if another as I have loved you" (John
they're Ok. If somebody finishes 15:12).
last in a race, tell him he did a good Ask this question: Am I a channel
job because he finished. Never say for God's love that blesses others,
anything to put someone dow." or am I dam that tries to hold onto

everything for myself? Carev
Kinsolving is a syndicated colum-
nist, producer, author, speaker and
website developer. Print free les-
sons from the Kids Color Me Bible
and make your own book. Let an
11-year old girl take you on a trip
around the world inll the Mission
Explorers Streaming Video. Print
Scripture verses illustrated by child
artists. Receive a complimentary.
weekly e-mail subscription to our
Devotional Bible Lessons.

George Clinton
in Concert
The master of funk George Clinton
in concert, Thursday, October 18th
at 8 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert
Hall 1050 AIA North Ponte Vedra
Beach, Florida. For more informa-
tion call (904) 209-3759.

Women's Show
The Southern Women's Show
returns for its 25th year October
18th 21st, at the Prime Osborn
Convention Center, 1000 Water St.
The show brings four days of activ-
ity tailored especially for North
Florida women. The show is home
to 400 exhibits from unique fash-
ions, vendors and entertainment.
The doors are open from 10:00 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m. For more information
visit www.southernshows.con/wj a
or call (704) 376-6594.

Haven Hospice
Art Show
"7 Weeks... Tragedy to Triumph'
is a free art show that will be host-
ed by Haven Hospice to reveal the
paintings made by a survivor of a
rare brain tumor. The art show will
be held Friday, October 19th at
200 Southpark Blvd. Suite 207, St.
Augustine. Florida. The show will
take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For
more information call Haven
Hospice at (904) 810-2377 or e-mail
jennifermartinez 15(9iyahoo.com.

San Marco
Transformed into
Pink Hope Square
Come to San Marco and help the
fight against breast cancer! Support
the Donna Foundation when you
shop or dine in San Marco,
October 19th and October 20th.
Look for the pink balloons outside
each shop or restaurant! For more
information e-mail sninma(imysan-
marco.com or contact the San
Marco Merchant association at
(904) 829-0544.

Najee in Concert
Come celebrate the Ritz's 13th
Anniversary with a concert featur-
ing American urban jazz saxophon-
ist and flautist Najeec, Saturday,
October 20th at 8 p.m. For more
information and tickets visit

www.ritzjacksonville.com or call
the box office at (904) 632-5555.
The Ritz Theater and Museum is
located 829 North Davis Street.

Jax Sea & Sky Show
The U.S. Naval Station Mayvport
joins the City of Jax for the
Jacksoni ille Sea alnd Skv
Spectacular, Saturday, October
20th and Sunday, October 21st,
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at
Jacksoni ille eac This C\ cii ill
feature military and civilian flight
teams, recruitment displays, inter-
active and static displays, live
entertainment, food, beverage and
vendors. Fori more informatiotl call
(904) 630-2489 (CITY).

Esperanza Spalding
in Concert
Cellist Esperania Spalding will be
in coinceri at the Florida liheatre on
Sunday, October 21st at.i PM
Ticket prices start at S50, For imorie
information, call 355-278S"

Mary Mary in Concert
Gospel duo Mary, Mary will per-
form in Jacksonville, Thursday,
October 25th, at 8:00 p.m. at the
Florida Theater. Tickets on sale
now at the Florida Theater Box
office, 128 East Forsyth Street,
Suite 300 or call (904) 355-2786 or
visit www.lioridatheater.com.

Friday October 26th at 5:00 p.m.
For more information visit
www.mavericksatthelanding.com
or text MAVS.

A Community
Conversation on
Prayer
Join moderator John A. Delaney,
President, University of North
Florida to discuss: What does it
mean to lead prayer at official pub-
lic events? This symposium will
take place Tuesday, October 30th,
7 9 p.m. at the UNF University
Center, I UNF Drive. For more
information e-mail onejax(I,unl.edui
or call (904) 620-1000.

47th Annual
NAACP Dinner
The 47th Annual NAACP
Freedom Fund Dinner welcomes
NAACP National President
Benjamin Jealous as its keynote
speaker. The dinner and awards will
be held Thursday, November 1st at
7 p.m. at the Prime Osborn III
Convention Center, 1000 Water St..
The theme is "NAACP: Your
Power, Your Decision Vote." For
more information email anthony-
rodgers(wabellsouth.net or jax-
naacp(cacomcast.net or call (904)
764-1753.

Spoken Word
Once a month, the Ritz offers an
open mic for poets and poetry
lovers of all ages. Show off your
own talent for verse, or just come,
listen and soak up the creative
atmosphere. Spoken Word hits the
stage Thursday, November 1st at
7:00 p.m. For more information call
(904) 632-5555 or visit www.ritz-
jacksonville.com. The Ritz is locat-
ed at 829 North Davis Street.

NAACP Election
of Officers
On November 8th, the
Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP
will hold an election of officers and
at-large members of the Executive
Committee at the Branch Office
located at 1725 Oakhurst Avenue.
Polls will be open from 3:00 PM to
7:00 p.m. A form of identification
is required. For more nominating
details email scthomp60a,aol.com
or call the branch office at (904)
764-7578.

~cIA '

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Page 8 Ms. Perry's Free Press

October 18-24, 2012

October 18-24. 2012

Mrs. Perry's Free Press Page 9

FOR 1HE WEEK OF OCTOI R 16 22, 2012

NSU Spoits Photo

CHAMPS ADRIAN: Norfolk State
head coach tries to get
SEEKING Spartans first conference
win Saturday at Bethune-
WINS Cookman.

2012 SIAC HOOPS PICKS:
Atlanta. GA--The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference (SIAC) announced its men's andl women's
preseason all conference basketball teams and predicted
order of finish, as voted on by the SIAC Basketball Coaches
Associations.
Defending conference champion Benedict was pre-
dicted to repeat as men's champions. The Tigers return a
solid lineup led by preseason all-SIAC point guard Xavier
Collier. The senior from Augusta missed the 2012 season
with an injury, but put up stellar numbers as a sophomore.
He averaged 14 points and 5.6 assist per game, which ranked
him 17th in Division II.
In the West Division, Stillman was voted as tile top
team. Coach Mike Grant returns one of the top perimeter
shooting teams led by his three preseason all-SIAC picks
Damian Ford, Ladarius Rhone and Jeffery Wherry.
Andrae Nelson, a 6-foot-7 power forward/center from
Morehouse was selected as the preseason player of the year.
Last season Nelson averaged 16 points and 8.9 rebounds
per game for the Maroon Tigers.
Fort Valley State was selected to win the women's
East Division and repeat as champions of the conference.
Fort Valley returns nine players from last year's roster.
Benedict senior Santera Grooms was voted as the
preseason player of the year. The 5-foot- 10 forward aver-
aged 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds for the Lady Tigers last
season.
The preseason all-conference team and predicted order
of finish are listed below:

LUT WILLIAMS
BCSP Editor
While undefeated Winston-Salem State
and Tennessee State continue to roll along at
the top of the BLACK Coti.iEtt Si'e I'Nrs PAu;ii op)
Ten with 7-0 records, some of tile biggest news
in black college football this season is related to
defending conference champions having a hard
time getting into the win column.
Defending S\\ AC chanitp G(ramiiling State
anLd defending MEAC champ Norfolk State are
a combined 2-11, with no victories in conference
play after both were picked ill tle preseason by
league coaches to repeat as champs.
So much for preseason predictions.

SWAC
Grambling, who wnon the S\VWAC title last
year in Doug Williams's first year back at ilie
helm, is 0-0 overall, 0-5 in the SWAC after last
week's 45-20 drubbing by once-low ly lississippi
Valley State (2-4, 2-2). the first \\ n for the Delta
De\ ils over thie G-Men csinc 1000..
On the SWA\ coaches. tleconference M1oil-
da V.W ill ,i i-Ih.ti l.r t ii.wantosingicleo t i il nd\ i ualt
that hae contlrlhuted to his Cteamll halld start but
did acknoi\\ ledger h is \o unti snti.i
"This is a neil experience tor mle, the
Graibling legend said. "But we did not haeC
onie playerr on the) detensinve line that had a start
under their belt from last \ear. We've got I S tjuniors
and seniors on this football tearn and onl\ ten of
temlln plav. And it's,; not like those ten arc imparsn
players. The bulk of my team is behind me., not
inll front of mte."
The Tigers have an excellent chance to break
into tile win column Saturda ,iat Robinson Stadiuil
as 1-5 Virginia tUniversity of I. nchhurg, in its
second year pla\l ing Div. 11 football, comes in for
homecoming (2 p.m.).
Mississippi Valle State's \inll over (hai-
bling wasn't tihe onl outicoime Saiurdav that
tightened the SWAC East race. Alabama A& M
(6- 1,5-1 SW\AC) was knocked from the tunbeateni
ranks by Alcorn State (3-4. 3-2) and ,Jackson
State (3-4, 3-2) narrowly got b v Alahama State
(4-3, 3-2). Tile results leave A& M \ ith one confer-
ence loss and the other four in the division with
two losses.

WRONG DIRECTION:
Grambling and head
coach Doug Williams
have yet to post a win
this year. The G-Men
host Virginia University
of Lynchburg Saturday
for homecoming at Rob-
inson Stadium.

TIlis week Jackson State hosts Mississippi
Valley State (3 p.m.) in a key divisional game
to be carried on SWAC-TV (swac.org). Alcorn
State plays at Prairie View's homecoming (2
p.m.). Both Alabama A&M and Alabama State
have tile \\eek off as they prepare for the Oct. 27
.\aii Cti (Cla,7ssic show down in Birmingham.
After a \week off. West Division leader
Arkansas-Pine Bluff (4-2. 3-1) travels to Baton
Rouge,. 1.,i. a p.m.) to) take on its ,nearest competi-
tor. IcsIurgtcint Southern (3-3. 2-2) The .ags have
\\n three of t otni games iidelr Dawson Odums
.tler an 0 2 stail led to tlie dismiissal of Stunmp
Mitchell,

MEAC
Nortfolk State. \\, h to on i Il ii,,,t MEAC title
last \ear undcr lhead coaici Pete Adrian, is 2-5
o\ erall blut hla.s lost all fout r oIf its games in con-
terence pla\ including a 28-14 loss to previously
w winless Hampton last week.
The Spartians had live turnovers vs. Hampton
and are last in the conference in turnover margin
I- 1). 1 htings just hal en't gone our \way." said
Adn.rian on Tuesday's MEAC teleconference.
Thie Spartans get no reprieve this Saturday ais they
tirvel Io tDai tonaI Beach to take eon conference
co-leader and BC'SP No. 3 Bethune-Cookman
(4-2, 3-0 MNIAC\ at 4 p.m.
North Carolina Central. Howard and
I)elaware State, teams picked in thie prescasonI
io linish near tlle bottom of the conference, are
amongst the leaders Il a lightly -bunched race
North Carolina Central (4-2, 3-0) handed
Morgan State (3-3, 2-1 ) its lirst conference loss
Saturday and is now tied with B-CU for the top
spot. The Lagles host Hampitonm (1-4, 1-2) in a
TIhursday night match-up to be carried live oni
ESPN1L at 7:30 p.m.
Howard (4-2. 3-1). one of four teams tied
for second with one conference loss, had its three-
game conference win streak halted by North
Carolina A&T Saturday. The Bison entertain
Morgan State for homnecooming ill Washington,.
D. C. (1 p.m.).
Delaware State (3-3, 2-1), coming off wins
over Norfolk State and perennial power South
Carolina State (2-5. 1-3), is hosting A&T (3-3.
1-2) in a homecoming tilt (1:3(0 p.m.).
Florida A&M (3-4. 3-1) hosts South Caro-
lina State (2-5, 1-3) at ( p.m. The game will be
carried by tape delay oin ESPNUl at 10:30 p.m.

SIAC
Defending champion Miles (6-1. 4-0) con-
tinues to roll in hlie SIAC and looks to be on a
collision course withll Tuskegee (5-1, 4-0) in the
West Division. Both teams are undefeated in con-
forence and division play but 'Tuskegoe has two
divisional wins and Miles one. Miles has movedL
up to fourth in the BCSP 'lTop Ten witll'i skegee

fifth.
This week Miles plays at Lane's (3-4. 2-4) home-
coming while Tuskegee has Kentucky State (t1-5.0-4)
in for homecoming. Miles and Tuskegee will meet on
Nov. 3 in Birmingham.
Stillmhnan (4-3. 3-1). with just one loss in the West.
plays Fort Valley State in Valdosta, Ga. (3 p.m.). FVSU
5-2. 3-1 ) leads the East Division with a 2-0 mark. Al-
bany State (4-3. 3-1). just behind FVSU at 1-0 in the
division, has homecoming (2 p.m.) vs. Clark Atlanta
(2-5. 2-3). Morehouse (2-5. 1-3). with just one loss in
the division, is at Benedict's homecoming (2 p.m.).

CIAA
BCSP No. 1 Winston-Salem State (7-0. 4-0)
took a big step towards winning its second straight
South Division title with a big 56-37 win over Saint
Augustine's Saturday. The Rams. up to second in the
national AFCA Div. II poll. have their homecoming
this week vs. Livingstone (2-5.2-2). Shaw (4-3. 3-1).
a game behind WSSU in the South, has its homecom-
ing (1 p.m.) in Durham. N.C. vs. Johnson C. Smith
(3-4, 2-2). St. Aug's (4-3. 2-2) has homecoming N-s.
Fayetteville State (1-6. 0-4).
In the North, Chowan (4-3. 3-1) and Elizabeth
City State (4-3, 3-1) are tied atop the division and play
for the lead at ECSU's homecoming Saturday (1:30
p.m.). Virginia Union (3-4. 1-3) hosts Bowie State
(4-3. 1-3) and Virginia State (3-4. 2-2) hosts Lincoln
1 -6. 1 -3) for homecoming.

INDEPENDENTS
Tennessee State (7-0. 3-0 OYC). the only unde-
feated team besides WSSU, the No. 2 team in the BCSP
Top Ten and up to I17th in the Sporrs Ner tork FCS 7 Tp
2.5, is on the road at Jacksonville State (3-3. 2-2) in a
key OVC game.

many to believe that the I1-year-old
was engaged.
In the clip, Broiiu tHashes a sap-
phire ring that belonged to her late
mother and announces to her faiuily'
that she and childhood friend Nick
G(ordon are engaged. Rumors of' the
pair's engagement have been circu-
latingi since the stlummer
But in an interview with AlBC
News, Pat Houston, the teen's aunt,
shot down the engagement rumors.
"A lot of teenagers, when they hit
18, think they're grown," I louston
told ABC. "They think they know it
all, they think they know about rela-
tionships. You just have to be there
to navigate and guide them."
She added, "You have to hope that
their feelings will not get hurt, but
they will."
Many people have been con-
cerned about the teen's well-being
since her mIother's death in
lFebruarv. ITMZ/ recently reported
that her grandmother, (Cissy
Houston, wanlits to hold tlie teen's
multi-million dollar inheritaincc
Irom her mother until she's older.
Sources say that the elder Houstonl
believes the teen is current stur-
rounded bv numerous niegative

Judge Dismisses Bachelor Lawsuit

NASHVILLE. Tenn. A tderali
judge has dismissed a case tiled b%
two black men i ho claimed ABC's
"The Bachelor" and 'hec
Bacheloretie" discriminlated against
casting participants of color.
L.S. District Court Judge Aleta
Trauger's ruling states that casting
decisions by the network and the
series' producers uar protected by

the First Amendment and
the case should not coItin-r
tie.
Nathaniel C'layvbrooks
and Christopher Johnsont
sutied the network in April,
claiming their bids to
appear on "'The Bachelor"
\ were never gi\ ell serious,
consideration. I lhe\
claimed the show a1nd its
spinoff -lhc Biclhcloclie'c"
discrtiitatetd igtirmllst inot-
white participants.
T'rauger's ruling calls the plaint
tiffs' eTorts laudablel" but sa\s the
lawsuit is aimed at regulating the
slow\ 's content, which is forbidden
under the First Amendment
"'Ultimately, whatever mess,tages
[The Bachelor' and 'Tlhe
Baichelorette'" conIunicatei or aIC

regularly rocked him into caliness.
In addition to Sparkle, Kpps
recently wrapped up filing The
H hangover Part 11.
Ile also has a role in the thriller
Vipaka, starring Forest Whitaker
and Anthony Mackie, which is
reportedly in post-production.
Nina begins shooting this week in
Los Angeles.
Is a Rock and Chappelle
Tour in the Works?

Rock, whose zebra character sang
about the glories of wearing one.
He also revealed that the whole
"Afro Circus" ditty his zebra Marty
sings in the film was just an ad-lib.
"My daughter Lola was at the
(recording) studio and she was just
bored out of her mind," he said, so
he tried to make her laugh.
The comedian also revived the
rumor that he and funnyman Dave
Chappelle are going to tour togeth-
er. "Maybe," Rock said. "Me and
Chappelle have been working out,
trying to get some stuff together.
But we will see."
Hudson Not
Buying Idol Feud
Academy Award winner Jennifer
Hudson is the
latest celebri-
ty to weigh
on the fetiud
between
American
Idol judges
Mariah Carey
and Nicki
Minaj.
Tensions
between Carey and Minaj exploded
during Idol auditions that were
being held in Charlotte, North
Carolina last week. Leaked behind-
the-scenes footage showed Minaj

I)od | I Celebrity Guests
Health I Lifestyle

and Carey in a profanity-laced argu-
ment that lasted for nearly 60 sec-
onds.
Hudson, who was a contestant on
season 3 of American Idol, says that
she doesn't believe the feud
between the show's current judges
is legit.
"I don't believe it," Hudson told
TMZ at LAX this weekend, adding,
"I think it's just for ratings for the
show."
Last week The Voice judge, Cee
Lo Green, weighed on the Idol
drama saying, "This is Hollywood,
California. Hardly anything's
legit."
Tira Banks to Produce
Series Based on Childhood
Fashion icon and media mogul
Tyra Banks is about to launch
another new project a TV series
based on her youth, tentatively
called Fivehead.
The title is derived from school-
yard taunts a young Banks received
because of her pronounced fore-
head.
According to Deadline, the show
will explore the "long journey from
awkward teen to one of the world's
most recognizable supermodels."
At this stage, it's unknown
whether Banks will play a role in
front of the camera on the series.

UNCI helps thousands of I.. i i- I students. But we have Io lurn away
thoisandi's more. So please give to the United Negro C. I1. I Fund.
Your donation will make a difference. Visit uncl.orq or ill 1-800-332-8623.

TUNCF

'V

[[S. v I

. ,"
Comedian Mike Epps received
rave reviews this summer for his
dramatic role as the troubled come-
dian, Satin Struthers, in Sparkle.
The 41-vear-old actor is now set
to take onl the role Richard Prvor ill
the upcoming Nina Simone biopic,
Nina, starring /oc Saldana,
According to I'lie Iollywood
Reporter, lpps \\ ill star ais Pryor int
a supporting role.
in a sipporltiln, role, I pps will
plaI PrI'or, \\ ho opened tor lthe
singe r w\hen tiley tw\o \were starting
out ill the earl\N 10Ots. Pryovr hldd
terrible stagc lrilht aind Sumone., In
licr aiutobiLogrt'plh ltcc.llcd how she

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_____ _UF Honors First Black Graduate

Alunni.
Alien graduated front the universi-
ty's law school in 1962. While in
law school, he was active in civil
rights, having organized lunch
counter sit-ins around Gainesvillc,
Fllorida, near the university.
After he graduated from the law
school, Allen filed a suit that led to
the integration of Broward
County's public accommodations
and public school system. In 1963,
Allen and his family moved to Fort
Lauderdale after he passed the bar
exam and was admitted to the

Florida Bar Association.
Allen was hired at the law firm of
Orr & Kaplan. After six months,
Allen started his own law practice,
where he has practiced for 42 years.
Allen specializes in trial work, pro-
bate, personal injury, insurance
defense and wrongful death law-
suits.
In 2003, Allen was inducted into
the National Bar Association's Hall
of Fame. In 2005, he was appointed
by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to the
board of directors of Florida A&M
University, Allen's alma mater.

Thousands Mark the 17th Anniversary

of the Million Man March in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -
Thousands marked the 17th
anniversary of the Million Man
March on Sunday in east Charlotte.
Minister Louis Farrakhan spoke
to the crowd at the Bojangles
Coliseum.
The Nation of Islam leader,
known for his controversial speech-
es, touched on a nunber of hot but-
ton issues, mainly the presidential
campaign. Hetouched on a recur-
ring theme throughout the cam-
paigns the economy and the
group he believes has been over-
looked.
"All of the focus has been mainly
on the middle class, from both
sides," he said. "What happened to
the poor of this nation? Who will
speak for the poor?"
Farrakhan said the government,
corporate America and individuals
need to be prepared to make tough
choices to get the economy back on
track.
"What must the American people
do in terms of sacrifice to address
the enormous debt that has enslaved
the American people," Farrakhan
said.
He also expressed what he
believes is another major issue
impact the presidential race.

"We sense it's a deep racial
undercurrent found in the
Republican Party respecting broth-
er Obama and this election,"
Farrakhan said.
The 79-year-old minister's com-
ments about race, politics, religion
and social issues have sparked con-
troversy over thile years from critics
including thile Anti-Defamation
League, who accused Farrakhan of
projecting bigoted and anti-Seumitic
rhetoric.
Senna James attended tile event.

"E'veryone is entitled to their own
opinion," lie said. "I'm just here for
the message."
"'We hav e so many dillerenti
views on how we call achieve su-it
cess in this county, so I'ml always
interested in learning ways, find
\vavs of hoxw we can achieve suc-
cess in this country, SCyene ..
added.
Farrakhan dcli\ered the keynote
address at the historic MNllion Man
March iln Washingtotn, I)D.C., ll
I 005.

Robert BroN in and Nathl:uiacl (a\

W. George Allen
Black alumni of the University of'
Florida marked the 5()th anniver-
sary of the First Al ican-American
student to graduate Iron thle school
last weekend.
Celebrations honored W. George
Allen, the first Black graduate of
tlte UI university of Florida, and
Geotrge I. Starke Jr., the first
Africtan-American student admitted
to the school.
"1 have been inspired by the calls
and enmalls I've received fI1roi
Black alumin whio have not been
back to (;aines\ille in y uars, yet are
making it a point to get back tot tils
occasion," said lerry Nealy, nation-
al president of the tUniversity of
Florida Association of Black

Arts Education Grants Available

for Duval County Teachers
Applications Due November 7, 2012
JACKSONVILLE, FL- The Cultural Council of Greater
Jacksonville is accepting applications for Arts Education
IEnrichment Grants which support creative projects in
Duval County Public Schools. The guidelines and appli-
cation are available at www.culturalcouncil.org/educa-
tors/grants, and are due November 7, 2012.
The grants are made possible through funding from
Prudential and Publix Supermarkets Charities.
Teachers may apply for up to $500 for projects that are
artistic in nature. All public school teachers in any subject
area are eligible to apply. Projects may include field
trips, arts days, school enhancement projects, or supplies.
For more information, call (904)358-3600.

Joyner Morning Show this week to set the
record straight: No, he said. his wedding had no
affiliation with the Greek organization. Yes, he
is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi. but he
\\ as thinking the color of lo\ e. not Kappa. when
lie and Bro\in chose the color scheme. Besides.
the official Kappa colors are crimson and cream,
not red and w\lnte. he said. "My husband and I
\were both hearing g \\hite tuxedos." Gay told
Jo\ ier
While the \ ideo of the beautiful ceremony
attracted man\\ well-wishers, other conummenters
w ere less tolerant about the union.
Links to the \ideo \\ere spread over Twitter
where "Kappa" and "Kappa gay wedding"
quickly became trending topics for the past few
da\ s.